Right and wrong don't apply to knitting patterns.
You drop stitches or you don't, that's all.
Amy Witting, "Isobel on the Way to the Corner Shop".

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Australian Independent Producers & the Shops that Support Them

I try to think globally and act locally. This carries over into a desire to support our wool industry and I've been keeping a list of local independent yarn producers with a web presence for months.

I had set myself a challenge of purchasing a new product from a local producer every month this year. However, bringing forward my backyard landscaping project by 12 months means there won't be any spare cash for a while unless I can spin pavers and gravel. I thought I 'd share my list with you all. Those not on a yarn diet might like to partake.

Please note that I am not recommending any of these producers and artisans in particular. In the main I have not sampled their wares. Neither is this list in any way comprehensive. I add to it all the time as I find new artistans. Also, for the purposes of this list the keyword "hand-dyed" also serves for hand-painted. The list is divided into those who are largely doing it for themselves and shops which support indie producers.

*updated 12/02 to include producers suggested by Ceri and Michelle, many thanks, ladies, and a few more from my list*updated 15/02, 19/02, 23/02, 12/03, 17/03, 18/03, 19/03, 20/04, 24/06, 26/08

19 comments:

You can also shop on-line at Waverly woollen mills (Tasmania) and Nundle wollen mills - larger producers and also worth supporting (though I also have - not so much a wekness as a full blown craving- for hand spun/dyed/and-or painted yarns! Wonderful listThanksCeri

Hi all. You've missed us in your list. Lara Downs is also an owner operator who supplies hand dyed yarns via a web site www.lara-downs.com.au and via her outlet in Melbourne (Fitzroy) - part of the Beautiful Silks outlet at 101 Victoria St Fitzroy. Come and see us some time.cheersPam from Lara Downs